Your Kid's Next Read With Allison Tait and Megan Daley
Episodes
Summer Series #1: Briony Stewart
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of our 'Meet The Creatives' Summer Series, Allison chats to author and illustrator Briony Stewart about how she got sta...
YKNR 232: YKNR Christmas Party
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, it’s that time of year when Allison Rushby joins Allison Tait and Megan Daley to celebrate the festive season in the best way we know how – b...
YKNR 231: 10 minutes with Peter Helliar
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to popular comedian and author Peter Helliar about his new junior fiction series ‘Detective Galileo’, playing with words and foundin...
YKNR 230: 10 minutes with Helen Dallimore
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to musical theatre superstar Helen Dallimore about her debut middle-grade novel ‘The Hits and Misses of Melody Moss’, her multi-face...
YKNR 229: 10 minutes with Stuart Wilson
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to bestselling author Stuart Wilson about ‘The Lost Book’, the second book in his 113th Assistant Librarian series, expanding a worl...
YKNR 228: 10 minutes with Katrina Nannestad
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to award-winning author Katrina Nannestad about her three new books, creativity and meeting new characters. Read the show notes for all...
YKNR 227: Books to gift to kids who ‘don’t read’
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A book for every kid – that’s the YKNR aim this festive season. Megan and Allison make the case to gift books to every kid you know – particular...
YKNR 226: A Bookmail Blizzard
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With festive season preparations heating up, Allison and Megan are bringing you a storm of exciting bookmail titles to help you keep your gift-giving ...
YKNR 225: 10 minutes with Sarah Giddy
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to Sarah Giddy about creating her debut illustrated middle-grade fantasy novel ‘Flight of the Drakkonbarq’, her path to publication ...
YKNR 224: Big Concepts In Kids' Books
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Books for children and young adults often tackle the big, complex ideas that make us who we are, and they do it in age-appropriate ways. But how? Mega...
YKNR 223: 10 minutes with Tim Winton
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to bestselling, award-winning author Tim Winton about ‘Ningaloo: Australia's Wild Wonder’, his first picture book in 20 years, ...
YKNR 222: Boys and Reading
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison are joined by parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson and author Matt Stanton for a discussion about boys and reading in the face of rece...
Kate & Jol Temple read ‘Mega Rich Guinea Pigs’
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kate & Jol Temple read from ‘Mega Rich Guinea Pigs’, book one in their hilarious new illustrated series.Read the show notes for all book refer...
YKNR 221: 10 minutes with Morris Gleitzman
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to bestselling and beloved author Morris Gleitzman about his brand-new novel ‘Childish’, potholes, and what we can do to get kids re...
Bethany Loveridge reads ‘Harper Wells Renegade Timeline Officer’
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bethany Loveridge reads from her debut fantasy novel ‘Harper Wells Renegade Timeline Officer’Read the show notes for all book references at yourki...
YKNR 220: Books About Feelings 2.0
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stories that explore feelings can be a revelation for young readers and a powerful tool for the adults in their lives. Megan and Allison discuss the w...
Lora Inak reads ‘The Cockatoo Crew’
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lora Inak reads from ‘Elif’s Itchy Palm’, book one in her new junior fiction series ‘The Cockatoo Crew’, illustrated by Kruti Desai.Read the...
YKNR 219: 10 minutes with Kim Rackham
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to debut author Kim Rackham about her delightful junior fiction verse novel ‘Hannah Backwards’. Plus Megan has two strong book recom...
Zana Fraillon reads ‘Song Of A Thousand Seas’
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Zana Fraillon reads from her new verse novel ‘Song Of A Thousand Seas’Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com.au Sign ...
YKNR 218: Finding books for niche topics
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When kids discover something they’re passionate about, they tend to go all in and books are a great way to support that. Megan and Allison discuss h...
Zanni L. Arnot reads 'A Guide to Falling Off the Map'
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com.au Sign up to the Your Kid's Next Read SubStack Connect with Allison, Megan a...
YKNR 217: 10 minutes with Cristy Burne
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to author and science communicator Cristy Burne about her role in the new book ‘‘A New World Rises: Tales Of A LEGO® Future’ by J...
YKNR 216: Creating Book Clubs That Work
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Book Clubs are a great way to get (and keep) kids reading, but there are tricks to making them work – particularly for teens. Allison and Megan, alo...
Megan Daley reads ‘Raising Readers’.
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Megan Daley reads from the revised and updated edition of ‘Raising Readers How To Nurture A Child’s Love Of Books’.Read the show notes for all b...
YKNR 215: 10 minutes with Joel McKerrow
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to Joel McKerrow about his latest middle-grade novel 'The Remarkable Robot Robbery' (Heist #2), balancing writing and speaking...
YKNR 214: Encouraging reading at home
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the media full of reports about the decline of reading in young people, Megan and Allison look at strategies for encouraging reading at home, giv...
Helen Edwards reads ‘The Disappearing Circus’
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Helen Edwards reads from 'The Disappearing Circus’, a magical, mysterious new middle-grade novel, co-authored with Kate Gordon.Read the show no...
YKNR 213: 10 minutes with Gabrielle Wang
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to award-winning author Gabrielle Wang about her magical latest novel ‘The Silken Thread’, listening to the ghosts, and writing agai...
Amelia Mellor reads ‘Oceanforged: The Wicked Ship’
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amelia Mellor reads from ‘The Wicked Ship’’, the first book in the epic new ‘Oceanforged’ fantasy series for middle-grade readers.Read the s...
YKNR 212: Books about weddings
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wedding fever is in the air at YKNR, which makes it the perfect time for Megan and Allison to discuss books featuring weddings for kids of all ages –...
YKNR 211: 10 minutes with R. A. Spratt
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison interviews bestselling author R. A. Spratt about the new Friday Barnes mystery 'In Plain Sight', her next book 'Romeo v Juliet&...
YKNR 210: Preparing For Author Visits
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison and Megan take a behind-the scenes look at creating author talks, presentations and workshops, as well as offering tips for schools and festiv...
A. L. Tait reads 'Danger Road'
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A. L. Tait reads from her contemporary middle-grade crime novel 'Danger Road', a fast-paced mystery story about two brothers who set out to ...
YKNR 209: 10 minutes with DJ Taylor
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison interviews DJ Taylor about her debut YA historical novel ‘Anna’s War’, looking at fact versus fiction, creating compelling characters an...
Shelby Matheson reads ‘Elsewhere’.
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shelby Matheson reads from her middle-grade fantasy novel 'Elsewhere', featuring a mysterious school in the woods and a sentient forest that...
YKNR 208: Bookmail Bonanza
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Before they disappear under a landslide of books, Allison and Megan bring you Bookmail, the extended mix – a huge pile of new reads to add to your T...
YKNR 207: 10 minutes with Li Chen
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to author and illustrator Li Chen about her new graphic novel 'Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town', creating a character ...
Pip Smith reads 'The Pull Of The Moon'
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pip Smith reads from ‘The Pull Of The Moon’, her latest YA novel, which explores what happens when the urge to help collides with the unfathomable...
YKNR 206: Non-Fiction 101
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison take a deep dive into non-fiction books for kids, looking at different types of non-fiction, why reading non-fiction is important (e...
Kate Gordon reads 'The Haunting of Hindmarsh Hall'
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kate Gordon reads from ‘The Haunting of Hindmarsh Hall’, the first book in The Secret Detectives Club, a new series for middle-grade readers.Read ...
YKNR 205: 10 minutes with Julia Lawrinson
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to author Julia Lawrinson about her new verse novel ‘Trapped: The Entombed Miner of Bonnie Vale’, creating suspense in the spaces be...
Kitty Black reads ‘Everglade: Rise of The Witch’
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kitty Black reads from ‘Everglade: Rise of The Witch’, the first book in a new and funny fantasy trilogy, illustrated by Rebecca CraneRead the sho...
YKNR 204: Wide Reading 101
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What exactly is ‘wide reading’ and how can you encourage young readers to embrace it? Megan and Allison take a deep dive into the idea of wide rea...
Jessica Townsend reads 'Silverborn'
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica Townsend reads from ‘Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow’, the fourth book in her international bestselling Nevermoor series.Read the...
YKNR 203: 10 minutes with Lucie Stevens
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to debut author Lucie Stevens about her middle-grade fantasy novel ‘R.I.P. Nanny Tobbins’, choosing an historical setting, and findi...
YKNR 202: The enduring appeal of mystery stories
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison and Megan explore all the reasons that young readers love mystery stories, why they’re addictive, and how to find age-appropriate reads.Read...
YKNR 201: 10 minutes with Jacqueline Harvey
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to Jacqueline Harvey about her brand-new middle-grade novel ‘The Girl and The Ghost’, meeting new characters and developing a new se...
A.L. Tait reads 'Willow Bright's Secret Plot'
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A.L. Tait reads from ‘Willow Bright's Secret Plot’, a new middle-grade mystery story about growing up, finding your place in the world and th...
YKNR 200: Ask Us Anything 3.0
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate 200 episodes of Your Kid’s Next Read podcast, Allison and Megan are answering YOUR questions. From how to write a book to how to make l...
YKNR 199: 10 minutes with Clayton Zane Comber & Conor McCammon
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to Clayton Zane Comber and Conor McCammon about their brand-new novel ‘The Marvellous Submarine’, including co-writing a book on sti...
YKNR 198: All about Funny Books
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Funny books create a LOT of discussion in the Your Kid’s Next Read community, so Megan and Allison are discussing the the role of funny books in rea...
YKNR 197: 10 minutes with Helen Edwards
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to Dr Helen Edwards about her new middle-grade historical fiction novel ‘On Gallant Wings’, the drafting process and medals for brav...
Ashleigh Barton reads ‘How To Sail To Somewhere’
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ashleigh Barton reads from ‘How To Sail To Somewhere’, her moving new middle-grade novel, described as a 'cosy adventure' story.Read the...
YKNR 196: Building a Home Library 101
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does a home library look like? Megan and Allison explore the basics of building a home library, from why it’s important to keep books on hand, ...
YKNR 195: 10 minutes with Nick Bland
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to Nick Bland, author of 60+ picture books (including the ‘Very Cranky Bear’ series), about his debut junior fiction novel, ‘Bling...
Hayley Gannon reads ‘Luna’s World’
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hayley Gannon reads from ‘Luna’s World: Library Dreams’, a fun, heartwarming story for readers 7+, illustrated by Michelle Conn.Read the show no...
YKNR 194: Reading Aloud 101
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When should you start reading aloud to kids? Should you stop once they can read by themselves? Megan and Allison look at the nuts and bolts of reading...
Sandy Bigna reads ‘Little Bones’
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sandy Bigna reads from ‘Little Bones’, her debut middle-grade verse novel.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com.au S...
YKNR 193: 10 minutes with Tamlyn Teow
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to artist Tamlyn Teow about SoXiety, a wordless picture book that is her first solo work as author and illustrator. Plus, Megan is batte...
Dianne Wolfer reads ‘Soaring With The Sugarbird Lady’
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dianne Wolfer reads from ‘Soaring With The Sugarbird Lady: The Robin Miller Story’, a real-life story for readers 9+, illustrated by Briony Stewar...
YKNR 192: Kids and critical thinking
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can we help kids to develop their critical thinking skills? Megan and Allison look at books that help, books that spark conversations and books th...
YKNR 191: 10 minutes with Felice Arena
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to bestselling children’s author Felice Arena about his brand-new picture book ‘My Big Secret’, finding himself as an illustrator ...
YKNR 190: School Libraries 101
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Get to know your school library! A look at how school libraries are changing, the role of Teacher Librarians, and what to do if your school doesn’t ...
YKNR 189: 10 minutes with Helen Milroy
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to Helen Milroy about her two new books, ‘Bush Bubs’ and 'Sunny and Shadow', and art as an escape. Plus, Megan has a big a...
Melissa Garside reads ‘Lexie Moon & The Word Burgling Bungle’
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa Garside reads from her debut junior fiction novel ‘Lexie Moon & The Word Burgling Bungle’, illustrated by Lauren MullinderRead the sho...
YKNR 188: Real Talk About Reading
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve probably heard that the Australian curriculum is changing and that reading will be taught differently now – but what does that mean and wha...
Amy Doak reads ‘Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep A Secret’
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amy Doak reads the first chapter of ‘Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep A Secret’, the second book in her popular YA series.Read the show notes for all bo...
Adam Wallace reads ‘18,000 Holes In The Universe’
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Wallace reads from ‘Dragonfire’, the first book in the ‘18,000 Holes In The Universe’ junior fiction series, co-written by Lisa Foley and...
Danielle Binks reads ‘Six Summers Of Tash and Leopold’
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Danielle Binks reads the first chapter of her latest contemporary middle-grade novel ‘Six Summers Of Tash and Leopold’.Read the show notes for all...
Shivaun Plozza reads ‘Summer of Shipwrecks’
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shivaun Plozza reads the first chapter of her contemporary middle-grade novel ‘Summer of Shipwrecks’.Read the show notes for all book references a...
Yxavel Magno Diño reads ‘The Serpent Rider’
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yxavel Magno Diño reads the first chapter of her debut fantasy novel ‘The Serpent Rider’.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsn...
Raelke Grimmer reads ‘White Noise’
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Raelke Grimmer reads from her debut young adult novel ‘White Noise’Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com.au Sign up ...
Amelia Mellor reads ‘The Lost Book Of Magic’
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amelia Mellor reads from her middle-grade novel ‘The Lost Book Of Magic’, the conclusion to her bestselling series.Read the show notes for all boo...
Dani Vee reads ‘Riley’s Failproof Guide To Breaking A School Record’
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dani Vee reads from her debut junior fiction novel ‘Riley’s Failproof Guide To Breaking A School Record’, illustrated by Jules Faber.Read the sh...
A. L. Tait reads 'The First Summer of Callie McGee'
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A. L. Tait (aka podcast co-host Allison Tait) reads the first chapter of her contemporary middle-grade novel ‘The First Summer of Callie McGee’.Re...
Dr Helen Edwards reads 'Legend Of The Lighthouse Moon'
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Helen Edwards reads the first chapter of her enthralling historical adventure story ‘Legend Of The Lighthouse Moon’Read the show notes for all ...
Deb Fitzpatrick reads 'Kelpie Chaos'
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Deb Fitzpatrick reads the first chapter of her heartwarming junior fiction novel KELPIE CHAOS.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsn...
Judith Rossell reads 'The Midwatch'
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Judith Rossell reads the first chapter of her latest illustrated middle-grade novel THE MIDWATCH.Read the show notes for all book r...
Allison Rushby reads 'The Christmas Wish'
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Allison Rushby, the third member of Team YKNR, reads from THE CHRISTMAS WISH, the fifth book in her junior fiction series The Wish Sisters, illustrate...
YKNR 187: YKNR Fave Reads 2024
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our last regular episode of 2024, Allison and Megan are joined by Allison Rushby, the third member of Team YKNR, for a candle-lit, round-table chat...
YKNR 186: 10 minutes with Louise Park & Mo Johnson
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to Louise Park and Mo Johnson about their new junior fiction novel ‘Prank Wars: Game On’, co-authoring a book and whether too much i...
YKNR 185: 10 minutes with Erstwilder
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Megan chats to Marc Abrahams, the brains behind the Erstwilder brand, about visual storytelling, collaborating with illustrators, and creating must-ha...
YKNR 184: Books about creativity
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Creativity for kids is all about two things – being bored and 'doing'. Allison and Megan look at books and other ways to support kids to e...
YKNR 183: 10 minutes with Kathryn Lefroy
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to Kathryn Lefroy about her new middle-grade novel ‘The Secret Of The Stone’, making wishes and how to choose a title for a story. P...
YKNR 182: #Christmasmail
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Christmas books are arriving thick and fast so Megan and Allison offer their picks of the current crop. Read the show notes for all book referenc...
YKNR 181: 10 minutes with Stuart Wilson
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stuart Wilson joins Allison to chat about his new middle-grade fantasy novel ‘The 113th Assistant Librarian’, writing big stories in contained wor...
YKNR 180: Family Read-Aloud Novels
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Family read-aloud novels need to be engaging and suitable for a range of age groups – including adults. Megan and Allison share their favourite grea...
YKNR 179: 10 minutes with R. A. Spratt
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
R. A. Spratt is back with the origin story of Nanny Piggins, one of her most famous creations, in an in-depth discussion about nailing a voice, produc...
YKNR 178: Books About Art
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by recent gallery visits, Allison and Megan explore books about art for kids, introducing everything from colour and shape awareness to famou...
YKNR 177: 10 minutes with Dani Vee
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to author Dani Vee about her debut junior fiction novel ‘Riley’s Failproof Guide to Breaking a School Record’, finding your funny ...
YKNR 176: Getting set to start school
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We know, we know, the timing feels odd, but after an increase in enquiries in the Your Kid's Next Read Facebook community, Megan and Allison are ...
YKNR 175: 10 minutes with Kristin Darell
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to author Kristin Darell about her new junior fiction series ‘Taronga Presents’, hands-on research and writing collaboratively. Plus...
YKNR 174: A Boatload of Bookmail
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New releases are coming in thick and fast in the run up to the festive season, so Allison and Megan devote this episode to their pick of the latest ti...
YKNR 173: 10 minutes with Rachel Jackson
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to Rachel Jackson, senior intelligence analyst and author of middle-grade adventure 'Escape From Cuttlefish Cove' – which of...
YKNR 172: Real talk about literacy and literature
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison have some thoughts about recent discussion around literacy – and what we can do about it. Plus, Megan is recovering from Book Week...
Bonus: Teens & Reading
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why aren’t teens reading? In this must-listen recording of the Your Kid's Next Read ‘Teens & Reading’ event, featuring Allison Tait, Al...
YKNR 171: 10 minutes with Ebony Froome
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to debut picture book author Ebony Froome about writing the book you can't see on the shelves, celebrating language and embracing s...
Bonus: Raising Wild Readers
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A must-listen recording of the Your Kid's Next Read ‘Raising Wild Readers’ event, held on 23 July 2024, featuring Megan Daley in conversation...
YKNR 170: Science Week (and more)
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Science Week 2024 (10-18 August) and Megan has tips for blending books, science, nature and kids now and in the future. Plus, some insider advi...
YKNR 169: 10 minutes with Rosi Ngwenya
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to debut picture book author Rosi Ngwenya about writing a narrative in 14 words, following your dreams and… thumb sucking. Plus, Megan...